April 2025 Newsletter

Barbara Schenk • March 29, 2025

Dear friends,

 

These are tumultuous times for our nation. At the time of this writing, we have scheduled a Prayer Service for our Nation for Sunday, March 30 from 4-4:30 p.m. This brief service will include special music and time for shared prayers.

As I was thinking about the state of our nation and the continuation of our Lenten season, these beautiful words from a Lenten hymn, “Before the Cross of Jesus,” came into my mind

and heart:

The hopes that lead us onward,
The fears that hold us back,
Our will to dare great things for God,
The courage that we lack,
The faith we keep in goodness,
Our love, as low or pure -
On all, the judgment of the cross
Falls steady, clear, and sure.

 

Yet humbly, in our striving,
O God, we face its test.
We crave the power to do Thy will
With Him who did it best.
On us let now the healing
Of His great Spirit fall,
And make us brave and full of joy
To answer to His call.

 

Blessings and Peace,

Barbara

April Calendar


  • Friday, April 4: Quarter Auction 7PM
  • Saturday, April 5: Men’s Breakfast 8:20 AM
  • Sunday, April 6: Texas Roadhouse
  • Saturday, April 12: Drive Through 1-3 PM
  • Sunday, April 13: Palm Sunday
  • Sunday, April 13: Just Peace meeting
  • Thursday, April 17: Maundy Thursday
  • Friday, April 18: Good Friday (film service)
  • Sunday, April 20: Easter Sunday 8 & 10 AM

April Monthly Quarter Auction


We are holding our next Monthly Quarter Auction on Friday, April 4. Doors open at 6 PM, and the auction begins at 7 PM. Everyone is invited to bring quarters and friends for a fun evening and a chance to win some great items from our vendors! There will also be a raffle! Admission: $5 for two paddles. Our main vendor is One Call Away Vereans Support Center (OCA). Bring a personal hygiene item, to be donated to OCA, for a free third paddle. Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase.


Souper Bowl of Caring Total


We collected a total of 238 cans of soup through our special Souper Bowl of Caring outreach offering. All soup was donated to the Emergency Cupboard of the Open Pantry. Thanks to everyone! We are also grateful for community folks who brought soup to our monthly Drive Through Collection of Food Donations.

Palm Sunday Service at 10am ( April 13)


On this day, we remember Jesus fulfilling ancient prophecy by riding into Jerusalem in a most unusual kind of parade.

Maundy Thursday Service (April 17) In-Person Service at 7pm


This service focuses on the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. There is also a Service of Tenebrae (“Shadows”) including special scripture readings of the Passion of Jesus. 

Good Friday Service (April 18) Please Note: Filmed Service Only


The focus for this service is the crucifixion of Jesus, through the lens of “The Symbols of Good Friday.” The film will be posted on our website at fostermemorial.org, You Tube, and on our Facebook page.


Easter Sunday Services (April 20) In-Person at 8am and 10am


Our early service features the construction of our “Flowing Cross.” Our 10 AM service includes special music by our Chancel Choir and the “Unpacking of our Alleluias!” Please join us as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior!


Upcoming Events


  • Saturday, April 5: Men’s Breakfast – all men welcome. Meet in front parking lot at 8:20 AM
  • Saturday, April 12: Drive Through Collection of Non-Perishable Food for Open Pantry 1-3 PM in the back parking lot of the church
  • Sunday, April 6 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM. Texas roadhouse Fundraising


Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch held on March 2


Thank you to everyone who made this brunch very special. Thank you to Jim and the cooks, our youth and CE team and friends who served, and everyone who came to eat and join in the fun! We raised $430.00 which was gifted as a helping hand to the Afghan family with whom we walk alongside.


Recorded Worship Services


Along with in-person worship service, we offer pre-recorded worship services, posted each week (and for special services) on YOU Tube, on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page and on our church website: http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/

Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet



A note from Jim Wood's Sister, Sue:


Thank you all so very much for your support and friendship during Jim's illness and passing. It's a comfort to us in knowing how beloved he was, and your love for him will sustain us during this difficult time. In gratitude, Sue and Steve Saunders.

 

August 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schenk • July 28, 2025
Dear friends, I hope everyone is enjoying the summer – it seems to be flying. I know we have been very concerned about issues going on that are dividing our nation. Decisions being made can shake us to the core, daily. We have started Waving for Peace on Sunday mornings, in addition to Monday afternoons, and the response from our neighbors passing by has been overwhelmingly positive. We will also be looking for more ways to advocate for God’s justice in the coming days, including our hosting an International Peace Event in September. There are many hymns that can move us onward and upward with hope and conviction of faith. One of these is entitled Community of Christ, with words by Shirley Erena Murray. Community of Christ, through whom the world must sound- Cry out for justice and for peace the whole world round; Disarm the powers that war and all that can destroy, Turn bombs to bread and tears of anguish into joy. When menace melts away, so shall God’s will be done. The climate of the world be peace and Christ its sun; Our currency be love and kindliness our law, Our food and faith be shared as one forevermore. Blessings, Barbara

July 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schnek • June 30, 2025
Dear friends, One of the blessings of this season is gardens, both flowers and vegetables. There’s a hymn I love called “Come to Tend God’s Garden.” When I read the words, written by John A. Dalles, I am reminded that God does not intend for us to be overwhelmed or feeling in despair amidst these tumultuous days. We are called to sow seeds of hope and much more: Come to tend God’s garden, seeds of hope to sow, Planting fields of justice, watching mercy grow! In an arid wasteland, spread a verdant heath! In a land of tumult, cultivate God’s peace! As we tend God’s garden, from its furrows rise Stems of fresh beginnings, stretching toward the skies! Graciousness, our meadow, joyfulness, our root, Unity, our foliage, righteousness, our fruit! Blessings, Barbara
Foster Memorial Church

June 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schnek • May 30, 2025
Dear friends, June is here, with several special activities and events, including our Vendor Fair, Children and Youth Sunday, Special Offering for Cancer Care and more. Please see the articles and calendar in this newsletter for more information.